i have always been able to see the clear outline of auras (if i work at it) since forever, and if i try for hard enough and for long enough i may be able to get a color. i would really love to improve at this skill, does anyone have any suggestions?

Just keep practicing. If you're open about your beliefs with your friends and family, it would be beneficial if you could practice on willing participants. You could ask questions to confirm color meanings, for example. And they are more likely to stand still against a wall for you to get a good look at their auras.